Definition: Periodontal or Gum Disease

April 23, 2010 by Doug Larson  
Filed under Dental Health

Stages of Periodontal or Gum Disease

Your home care program and regular office visits can control periodontal/gum disease.


Healthy Gums









cross section of healthy gums, teeth and bone

A cross section of healthy gums, tooth, and bone.




Here, gums have a healthy pink color.


Gum line hugs the teeth tightly.


There is no bleeding on healthy gums.




healthy gum tissue.

Healthy gum tissue.




   

Gingivitis

Protect Your Toddler; Stop Bottle Decay

Bottle Decay

Start your child brushing early!

 

Frequent exposure to sugary liquids causes “bottle decay” in your children’s teeth.  This doesn’t have to be juice with sugar added, but, milk, formula, soda, fruit juice, and pacifiers dipped in honey or sugar.  Sugar sustains plaque-producing bacteria, which allows the acid to attack the teeth and gums. Bottle decay often leads to early removal of your child’s teeth. This  may cause speech impediments, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth. 


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Reduce Cavities: Give your Children Fluoride

What does fluoride do for your teeth?

Why would you ever want fluoride for your children? It’s obvious to the dentist, who’s received fluoride and who hasn’t. How does he know? 

Fluoride keeps you smiling!!

 

It’s the number of cavities you get. Optimum fluoride reduces cavities dramatically. 

What’s the right amount of fluoride?

Most children need fluoride supplements after six months old, to prevent cavities. If your city water has fluoride (greater than 0.6 ppm) and your children are drinking tap water, that’s all you need. Well water, filtered or bottled water, doesn’t generally contain adequate amounts of fluoride. Talk to your Pediatrician or Dentist about giving fluoride supplements. 


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Caring For Your Babies Mouth and Teeth

Your Baby Has A Beautiful Smile ~ Keep It

When your baby’s first teeth come in, at around six months or so, they’ll need your tender care. What six month old is going to patiently “open wide” as you brush? Even baby teeth can get cavities, it’s important to care for them as soon as they erupt.

Keep your babies teeth health

When you are bathing your baby, wrap a soft moist washcloth around your finger tip. Gently wash the teeth, inside and out with the cloth. This is a great way to prepare your little one for a toothbrush later on!


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